Monday, September 1, 2014

I MADE the decision on quitting Facebook. You know what? I actually feel better for it. Getting shut of the 'social' networking site has given me a fresh perspective on things. Particularly a reflection on me and my life. I don't think some people on Facebook intend to do this. But a lot of the stuff on there put me in a foul mood. It made me feel inferior and inadequate. It made me feel out I was missing out on a lot of things. Especially from spending a lot of my spare time on FB ­ of which I did! Wasting a lot of time comparing my life with other peoples' 'perfect' lives. The things that lots of people post on Facebook. A nice meal with their boyfriend or girlfriend, getting engaged, married, having children. Going on holidays and on nights out every weekend.

I know a lot of the stuff people post things on Facebook as if their lives are like a bed of roses. The reality is that their lives probably aren't more exciting than my own. It could be a smokescreen; may very well be a form of keeping up appearances. It's all about the likes and wanting to impress others.

Elsewhere, despite those with their 'perfect' lives on FB. There are also a lot of people who moan and rant about things. Whether it's politics or their football team losing a game. Then you have relationships, so­called 'friends' and family they'll rant about ­ which is usually aimed at them. It’s another form of airing their dirty linen in public.

Seeing that side of Facebook does make me feel better about myself; much in the same way as watching The Jeremy Kyle Show. My life isn't that bad, I'm doing OK for myself. In truth, I don't care and I don't want to know to be honest. Seeing the negativity itself give me more reason to quit Facebook. I've had enough of Facebook. Enough is enough. So it was time to call it a day.

It's been over a week since I've quit Facebook. I haven't felt the need to go back on it at all. I'm not interested in what's going on with other peoples' lives. In fact, I don't want to know. There's a lot more to life than spending hours and wasting your time on FB.

The people in my life that matter are my friends and family. Who I call, text, and spend time with. They're the people that matter. Quitting Facebook will also tell me on who are my true friends. That's if they're willing to make the effort to contact me and see me in person. I don't need FB to keep in contact with my friends and family anyway.

There's a long list of people who I had on Facebook as a 'friend' that I couldn't care less about ­ too many in fact! I don't feel the need to let every nosey bugger know how my life is going with some status updates, memes or pictures.

Since quitting Facebook, I haven't looked back. Admittedly, it's been quieter, but it's definitely a good thing. Gave me more time to reflect on things, but also spend it on making myself more useful. I'm looking forward, and I have been using my time with concentrating and living my own life.

I know Facebook is a ‘social’ networking site. If anything, it’s anti­social network. I’m much better off without it.

If you have a story that you would like to share, please e-mail me at fbdetox@gmail.com. You can choose to remain anonymous if you wish. Otherwise, share your stories in the comments section. Thank you for reading!

12 comments:

Fight the good fight Comrades, good to see Jryad's facebook detox is still standing. It is true that this Dutch woman used photoshop and facebook to deceive her parents on an Asian trip. Facebook poses a threat on human survival as well (Time magazine 2045 brain chips facebook used?) (Facebook Ibiza RFID social likes: youtube).There are too many people who believe that facebook narcissism and shallow friendships are the way forward. Many are disregarding those without it as backward! We must all resist.

The real question is: are you alone or lonely? The thing is that Facebook gives you the false impression that you are surrounded by friends, but the reality is the complete opposite. In reality on Facebook you are still alone, you are just lulled into a false sense of having friends.

Not likely my friend. People not on facebook might be weird and lonely and unable to accept social media and natural change. That is why I am very reluctant to leave it as it really looks weird and sad for those without it now in 2014. I shall see in the coming weeks.

All the people I know who do not use Facebook lead normal, productive lives. I most certainly cannot say the same for those who do as for most their lives seem to be a toxic mix of narcissism, conflict, and dysfunction. Did you ever consider that those not on Facebook are stable and confident enough in themselves not to care whether or not someone like you thinks they are "weird or sad?" The fact you that even use adjectives like that to describe others betrays your own internal insecurities at the thought of not being part of the crowd. Facebook is negatively reinforcing them.

Why not go more places and make friends in real life? You will feel better! I had tons of friends on FB and people only want me on there so they can use me. Despite being popular on FB and having a lot of friends who we're friends for the wrong reasons, made me feel alone with FB! Without it, it made me reflect on who my true friends are. Only 10 out of the 136 friends cared to keep in touch when I deleted my account. I feel more happy and free and can focus on my real friends and life. Like I said, even with FB I was alone. I felt like a used pipette after and depressed because my FB friends exhaust me with their drama. I don't experience any of that anymore. Glad I'm gone.

Its refreshing to know that someone is actually sticking to their guns, lol. Most facebook leavers eventually come back, including me in the past. I'm afraid the thing is, once you live without it, its difficult to live with it! I've made a commitment to stay facebook free for a year, and I'm enjoying it so far! http://duncanpartyofsix.blogspot.com/2014/09/a-year-without-facebook.html I'm looking forward to following your blog!

Another thing is that, what is "Weird and sad" is you for following a crowd and depending upon social media for your happiness. FB didn't exist long ago and you did fine. I am sure you can live the way it use to be again.

Thank you so much for this blog! I made the decision today to delete my account...it had been deactivated this past week but since I can never seem to stay off (much to my detriment) I decided that deleting it was the only way to go. That way I can never go back. The only positive thing it has ever done for me was that it allowed me to reconnect with an old childhood friend. Everything else has been either neutral or detrimental to myself. I've deactivated in the past for periods of time ranging from 2 weeks to 3 mths. I learned to enjoy my life again without facebook. It was so nice! I reactivated after my 3 mth stay away because I had a baby and wanted to maybe see if facebook could work for me again like it had in the beginning. (I was kidding myself because it never really worked for me...I wasted vast amounts of time on there and got nothing but depression from it.) So this time I knew I had to really delete the thing...so I downloaded all my pics and submitted my request for deletion. I am going through withdrawal (ah the life of an addict!) but I know I can pull through this...I am ready. Thank you again and keep up the good work on this blog!